Shah Rukh Khan recently informed the media that his next, 'Raees', may not clash with Hrithik Roshan's 'Kaabil' at the box office on Republic Day 2017. The star revealed he has had a chat with Hrithik a month ago about considering another date. However, if sources are to be believed, 'Kaabil' makers have decided not to relent.
Says a source, "Shah Rukh and Hrithik have worked with each other and share a warm rapport. The latter also shares a good understanding with 'Raees' producers, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. So, industrywallahs were hoping that they would come up with a solution to avoid a box office collision. However, both parties are determined to release their respective films around the Republic Day weekend and the problem is far from resolved."
The long-completed 'Raees' was earlier scheduled to hit screens on Eid along with Salman Khan's 'Sultan', but was postponed to January 2017, leading to the likelihood of a clash with 'Kaabil' and Ajay Devgn's 'Baadshaho'. While the latter's release was shifted to May 12, it was expected that Hrithik's film would also move to another date - SRK felt it was possible on their part to do so since 'Kaabil' went on floors three months ago. "Rakesh [Roshan]ji, Hrithik, Farhan and Ritesh are going to meet soon to figure out a way that we don't clash," he said. However, it seems unlikely that the 'Kaabil' camp will budge.
Another source says, "'Kaabil' is moving towards completion at a fast pace. They have resumed shoot and it will wrap up in a month or two. So, the film will be ready for release by January. On the other hand, Shah Rukh has waited too long for 'Raees' to enter theatres and doesn't want any more delay. Neither of them wants to budge, so the clash has not been averted yet."
Ritesh remained unavailable for comment while 'Kaabil' director Sanjay Gupta says, "As far as I know, we are releasing on the date we announced a long time ago and that's January 26, 2017."
